Some “sky-talk” about the dance just above your head.
This Winter, some of us will be gliding on top of the snow in a sleigh, while others will be dancing along thin ice on skates. This frozen slice of time is all about reaching deep within ourselves where we’ll be making some important decisions regarding the direction (or redirection) of our future path in life. But as serious and silent as the dance can be at times, it can still be full of joy.
Winter officially began with the Winter Solstice on December 22nd.This is when the Sun entered the sign of Capricorn, the Goat. Capricorn is the sign of accomplishment. Everything now becomes a ladder we must climb, a mountain we must scale. The trick is to pick the rightladder, the bestmountain. All of our goals must be examined now. Do your goals still excite you? Do they still seem worth the effort? If so you’ll begin the climb; but if not you’ll search for bigger mountains and better horizons. Capricorn is the sign that represents the career. Right now we want to feel like we are walking a path, not just marking time at some meaningless job. Capricorn is ruled by Saturn and rules over fatherhood, adulthood, and authority figures in general. These will take turns as themes playing out in our lives. But keep in mind that the point is to eventually become our own authority. Ask yourself where you need to take responsibility in your life, where you most need to grow. That’s where you’ll be focusing most of your time and attention.
Mercury begins the New Year thoughtfully, by retrograding (from Jan 5ththru Jan 24th).This year, Mercury changes element. In 2015 Mercury retrograded in air signs. But in 2016 Mercury will be retrograding in earth signs, beginning with Capricorn—the sign of the Winter Solstice. This puts even more emphasis on thinking through (or “re”-thinking) your goals now. Earth signs symbolize all that is practical and tangible, so focus now on getting your resources in good order: begin a savings plan, pay off debts, take care of your physical health, improve your physical environment. If you take care of the practical necessities of life now, you’ll be ready to expand by the time Jupiter goes direct in May (Jupiter and Mercury are working in tandem now). Think of this time as putting your house in order or shoring up your foundation. Some of the work may be tedious but you will be surprised at just how much good work can be accomplished behind the scenes in your work-a-day world during the first quarter of 2016.
Jupiter also begins the year retrograde (from Jan 8ththru May 8th), making us rethink or delay our plans for expansion. And with good reason. When Jupiter retrogrades we have to ask ourselves if we’re actually ready to grow yet. Sure, we have great ideas, but will they work out in the real world? Implementing practical preparations for growth is what’s favored now. Jupiter is in Virgo during this time (also an earth sign), where it will remain until September, 2016.
And on Feb 10th, Jupiter will trine Venus,which is good for romance and having fun. Take that day off if you can, and take a break from work, work, work. Also, if you’re looking for a winter wedding date, the first 2 weeks of February might do nicely.
Pluto and Uranus are still doing their square dance with one another.This will be felt all year, but they are closest early in the year (the square aspect is only a degree apart in Jan and Feb) and this probably means that the New Year begins with either some dynamic tension or excitement. Either way, this square aspect tends to make us want to act before we’re really ready. So rethinking things in the 1stquarter of 2016 is a good idea. But remember, you can still formulate long-range plans then. In fact, it’s a good idea to do research into any area of life that you plan on expanding. But maybe see if you can wait till Spring to put any of the larger and more expansive plans into action. Pluto is in the sign of Capricorn now and, along with all the other Capricorn we’re dealing with, some of us may have a change of direction with work, bosses, authority figures, etc. And some of these may provide the catalyst we need to eventually take the next step (i.e.: applying for that promotion we’ve had our eye on, changing careers, becoming our own boss, etc.).
Saturn will be in the sign of Sagittarius all year long. Sagittarius is a fun-loving fire sign that should keep your office life from becoming too heavy, even in the midst of change. You may even enjoy work now. This is especially true if: a) you like your boss; or b) you are your own boss. Of all the planets, Saturn most represents the grown-up. He is the authority, the expert, the guy or gal in charge. The one to whom you turn when there’s trouble a-foot or a problem to fix. So Saturn and Sag don’t have an awful lot in common, but they can help one another. Saturn can make sure that the work gets done, and Sag can make sure that you are actually doing work you enjoy in the first place. Because when you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work. Which is the point, actually, of much of our contemplation this Winter.
We all have a deeper place inside—a wellspring of purpose—that when tapped, makes us feel that we have truly accomplished something of value. And it has nothing to do with how much we earn. Something truly worthwhile is being incubated now, buried deep down in the cold, hard ground. It’s a quiet dance, but don’t sleep through it or your toes will freeze. This is the time to revel in Jack Frost’s dance, on razor-sharp skates over icy rivers under pale blue moonlight. Just watch him work his magic!
So, this winter, let’s see how many new steps we can all learn. Play, laugh, be kind. Keep on dancing. Then look up and thank your lucky stars.